Sommeliers Association of India Celebrates One Year with Key Milestones

Sommeliers Association of India Celebrates One Year with Key Milestones

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on November 20, 2025

The Sommeliers Association of India (SAI) has completed a remarkable first year, emerging as a strong national platform for wine education and hospitality in India. Since its membership launch in October 2024, the Association has crossed 200 members, hosted India’s first SAI Best Sommelier Competition, and introduced the globally recognised Association de la Sommellerie Internationale (ASI) certifications and diploma programmes to India for the very first time.

SAI made its international debut when Co-Founder and President Amrita Singh presented India’s vision at the ASI 55th Anniversary and General Assembly in Monaco, where India was unanimously voted as a Member of ASI’s College of Applicants. This achievement placed India alongside globally recognised sommelier associations and opened doors for Indian professionals to connect with international standards in wine knowledge, service, and competitions.

“From the moment we stood before the ASI Executive Board in Monaco, our mission was clear, to build a platform that delivers rigorous education, real career pathways, and international exposure for Indian sommeliers,” said Amrita Singh, President, Sommeliers Association of India. “This first year proved that with focus, community, and collaboration, India can raise service standards, celebrate its culinary diversity, and compete confidently on the world stage.”

SAI’s first year featured several important milestones. Jai Singh was recognised as the 2025 SAI Best Sommelier of India and went on to represent the country at the 2025 ASI Contest Best Sommelier of Asia & Pacific in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. He has also been confirmed as India’s official candidate for the 2026 ASI Contest Best Sommelier of the World in Lisbon, Portugal.

The Association hosted India’s first ASI Diploma and ASI Certification Level 1, and supported five Indian sommeliers as they attended the ASI Bootcamp in Singapore. National initiatives such as the Sommelier of the Month programme and the upcoming SAI Job Board and Travel Board continue to engage and support members across the country.

SAI has also built strong partnerships with leading international platforms including JancisRobinson.com, JaneAnson.com, GuildSomm, California Wines, Sonal Holland Wine Academy, and Food Matters Group, giving Indian sommeliers access to world-class learning resources.

The leadership team includes Amrita Singh (Co-Founder & President), Mattia Antonio Cianca (Co-Founder & Vice President), Salvatore Castano (Co-Founder & Vice President), and Vinod Abrol (Co-Founder & Vice President), bringing together some of the most respected names in global wine education. Their collective vision centres on education, integrity, inclusion, and opportunities for sommeliers, bartenders, and enthusiasts across India’s fast-growing hospitality sector.

Looking ahead, SAI aims to expand its certifications and partnerships while working towards hosting ASI Certification Level 2 and the ASI Diploma 2026 in India. The Association is also developing a national mentorship and scholarship programme to support emerging talent.

“This is just the beginning,” said Mattia Antonio Cianca, Co-Founder and Vice President of SAI. “We are shaping a generation of Indian sommeliers who will not only serve with skill and knowledge but represent India as part of the global dialogue on wine, hospitality, and culture.”


Osama Jalali Brings India's Forgotten Recipes to JW Marriott Kolkata

Osama Jalali Brings India's Forgotten Recipes to JW Marriott Kolkata

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on August 9, 2026

JW Kitchen at JW Marriott Kolkata is set to host the Osama Jalali Food Festival, bringing India's forgotten recipes and rich culinary traditions to the table. Celebrated food historian and author Osama Jalali will showcase a selection of heirloom recipes, regional delicacies and traditional cooking techniques, offering diners an opportunity to explore lesser-known flavours from different parts of India.

Running over ten evenings from 14–23 August 2026, the festival will feature specially curated dinner menus inspired by royal kitchens, historic food traditions and regional home cooking.

More than just a food festival, the experience aims to connect diners with the stories and traditions behind India's diverse cuisine. Each dish reflects a different part of the country's culinary heritage, giving guests an opportunity to discover authentic flavours and recipes that have been passed down through generations.

For food lovers and those interested in India's culinary history, the festival offers a chance to explore traditional Indian cooking through a specially curated dining experience.

Event Details

  • Venue: JW Kitchen, JW Marriott Kolkata
  • Dates: 14–23 August 2026
  • Time: Dinner from 7.00 PM Onwards.


Oasis Brewery Brings Fresh Flavours to the Tap With Its Signature Beer Collection

Oasis Brewery Brings Fresh Flavours to the Tap With Its Signature Beer Collection

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on August 9, 2026

Oasis Brewery is inviting beer enthusiasts to explore its collection of signature and seasonal brews, bringing together different flavours and brewing styles at its Whitefield, Bangalore location.

Leading the seasonal collection is the Very Berry Ale, a fruit-forward beer brewed with strawberries, blueberries, mulberries and raspberries. The light-bodied brew offers vibrant berry flavours, a refreshing character and a crisp finish with a subtle tartness.

Also available is the Perry Pear Cider, made entirely with fresh pear juice without added sugars. Inspired by the traditional Perry style, the cider combines delicate floral notes with fresh pear aromas and champagne-like carbonation for a smooth and refreshing experience.

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The collection is completed by Oasis Brewery's signature 007 IPA, an Imperial India Pale Ale inspired by the iconic James Bond. Built around the number seven, from its ingredients and brewing process to its 7% ABV, the beer delivers a bold hop character while maintaining a balanced finish.

The beers are crafted under the guidance of Oasis Brewery's Brewmaster, a Heriot-Watt University, Scotland graduate with more than a decade of brewing experience. With a focus on quality and innovation, the brewery's collection brings together different flavour profiles and brewing techniques for those looking to explore craft beer in Bangalore.

  • Location: Oasis Brewery, Whitefield, Bangalore
  • Time: 12PM Onwards.

Little Soi Brings Asia's Noodle Heritage to Life With The Noodle Theory Festival

Little Soi Brings Asia's Noodle Heritage to Life With The Noodle Theory Festival

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on August 9, 2026

Little Soi, the popular destination for authentic Asian cuisine, has launched The Noodle Theory Festival, a special celebration of Asia's rich noodle traditions. The festival brings together regional flavours, authentic recipes and traditional cooking techniques across Chennai, Coimbatore and Kochi.

Starting 6th August 2026 onwards, the festival takes diners on a culinary journey through the noodle cultures of Thailand, Malaysia, Japan, Korea, Vietnam, China, Myanmar and Hong Kong. The menu highlights how noodles have remained an important part of food traditions across Asia, with each region bringing its own flavours, ingredients and cooking styles to the bowl.

The festival features a selection of regional noodle favourites, including Biang Biang Black Bean & Hot Pepper, Hong Kong Style Wonton Mein, and Abura Soba, available with Beef, Chicken or Prawn. Guests can also try the refreshing Burmese Nangyi Thoke and the popular Thai Kwuay Tiew Rua (Boat Noodles), along with several other noodle creations inspired by different parts of Asia. Each dish showcases the differences in noodle shapes, textures, broths, sauces and preparation methods that have helped create some of the continent's best-known comfort foods.

The Noodle Theory Festival goes beyond a seasonal food menu, offering diners an opportunity to explore the cultural side of noodles and the traditions behind each dish. The festival highlights how geography, local ingredients and generations of culinary knowledge have shaped different noodle dishes across Asia. The idea behind The Noodle Theory is simple: while every bowl may have its own flavour and style, noodles continue to bring people together through comfort, community and craftsmanship. The festival is available for a limited period at Little Soi – Chennai, Coimbatore and Kochi Outlets, giving food lovers an opportunity to explore a wide range of Asian noodle traditions under one roof.

For More Information

  • Little Soi – Besant Nagar | GOCHS Colony, Besant Nagar, Chennai: 600090
  • Little Soi – Coimbatore | GM Nagar, Pudur, Coimbatore: 641037
  • Little Soi – Kochi | Aditya Tower, Ernakulam, Kerala: 682020
  • Date: 6th August 2026 Onwards.

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